Breast Reduction
Large breasts can be the result of a variety of reasons including family genetics, post pregnancy and excessive adolescent growth. Women with large breasts can suffer from a range of problems including back, shoulder and neck pain, breast pain, indentation marks on the skin of the shoulder region where bra straps have dug in, limitations in partaking in physical exercise, hygiene difficulty as well as psychological factors such as difficulty in finding clothes to fit, embarrassment, lack of confidence and low self-esteem
Breast reduction surgery will reduce the size of a woman’s breasts and improve their shape and position. Frequently, the areola (dark skin around the nipple) is also made smaller. This is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures and has high patient satisfaction and low complication rate. If the excessive size of your breasts causes functional problems, the surgery attracts an item number from Medicare and some of the costs will be covered by Medicare and your Private Health Fund. However, a breast lift (mastopexy) is almost never covered by insurance.
Am I a Suitable Candidate for a Breast Reduction?
Whether or not you are a suitable candidate for breast reduction surgery is for our surgeon Mr Rahdon and you to discuss. We undertake a complete analysis of your medical history as well as a thorough clinical consultation. You typically need to be in a healthy weight range and in good health to be considered for surgery.
Breast Reduction Surgery
A breast reduction is an operation performed to reduce the size of one or both breasts. There are different technical ways the surgery can be performed which are dependent upon a number of individual factors, which then determines the extent and location of the scars on your breast. In all breast reduction operations, generally the nipple is moved to a higher, more youthful position. The excess skin, fat and breast tissue are removed and the breast is moulded into a more pleasing shape that is of a size proportionate to your body shape. The wounds are stitched with dissolving sutures and are covered with light bandages.
You will usually have a scar around the nipple/areola, vertically down to the fold under the breast which joins a long curved scar passing in the breast fold – shaped like an inverted “T”. With some patients, it is possible to perform the surgery without the scar in the breast fold, leaving only a circular scar around the nipple and a vertical scar. This is called the short scar technique. All scars are designed to be hidden under the average bra or bikini top.
The operation is performed under a general aesthetic and takes between 2 to 3 hours. It requires you to stay in hospital for a period of two to three days. It is generally not very painful and you will be given strong painkillers during your stay in hospital to minimise any discomfort. We will also give you tablets to take home with you to keep you comfortable.
What is the Recovery Time following Surgery?
Following surgery, you should wear a firm sports bra for six weeks. Plan to avoid activities which require raising your arms above your head a lot for 10 days after surgery. Depending on your job you can usually return to work for light duties after 2 weeks, however, there will be some bruising and swelling which may last several weeks. You should be able to resume full activities, including sport, 6 weeks following surgery.
You will notice an immediate change after breast reduction surgery, however, the full result will be better determined approximately 1 year following surgery. The scars will undergo colour and texture changes over a period usually varying from 6 to 24 months.
What are the Potential Risks and Complications?
Complications are not common after breast reduction surgery. During your initial consultation Mr Rahdon will cover with you in detail the risks and complications associated with the surgery. You will be given an information leaflet about breast reduction surgery which includes complications. Should you choose to proceed with surgery, we will again explain any risks as part of the consenting process.
We ensure that risks are kept to a complete minimum with the help of selecting suitable patients as well as the selection of the appropriate procedure for your specific requirements. You should also understand that our highly qualified and experienced surgeon, Mr Rahdon, will not perform any cosmetic procedure unless he believes that the benefits significantly outweigh the risks for you.
To further discuss breast reduction surgery and costs, please give us a call on (03) 5215 1070 or make an appointment with Dr Rahdon to discuss any questions you may have.
